Monday, January 16th

Copyright Toni's Spoiler Site. Not to be republished.

You look beautiful, Victor enquires about Sharon's first night at the ranch. She reports sending the hovering staff home. Takes getting used to - being the lady of the manor. Yes - and the staff is used to somebody else in that position. Victor's sorry about Nikki's appearance last night.

A frustrated Nikki's told Walsh everything. Tell me again. We've gone over this a dozen time, Mike's also irritated. Nikki complies - one more time - she walked out of rehab - rented a car to go see her family (just receiving Diane's lawsuit etc.) When she couldn't find Victor, Nikki started drinking - the rest is on film. Staged?! No - Nikki didn't hire Deacon to get Victor out of prison. Mike thinks the DA's fishing is going a bit too far. Nikki would explain more if she could - to get Victor out of prison. No - she wouldn't lie to protect him. Mike takes Walsh in the hallway to speak privately ...

Ronan delivers a coffee to Nick (who awakens on the sofa in his office). Nikki's with Spencer - yes, still. Vikki then races in - is it Dad? No - Mom turned herself in for killing Diane.

In the CEO's office, Adam pressures Tucker for his answer. The board meeting's today - and with Tucker's vote, Adam's sure it'll pass - and he can sell BofN to him. So - do they have a deal?

Oh what a lovely idea Genevieve had - inviting her future sister in law for coffee (and a love-fest) on the CL's patio. The mutual ass-kissing takes on a more serious tone - when Ashley confides that it's not pretty (when business doesn't go Jack's way).

Just the woman Jack wanted to see. He joins Lauren at G-worm - to discuss the NE board meeting. Clever Lauren correctly assumes that Jack wants her to vote with Adam - so he can buy BofN. Save your breath. Unfortunately, Lauren won't be approving the sale. Now way (in good faith) can she back Adam - sorry.

Vikki can't believe that Deacon was hiding - filming them all. Nick's glad he did - or there'd be no proof that Mom killed Diane in self defense. Ronan's not sure Walsh will go along with that - and will see if he can get them in to see their Mom. He leaves Nick to wonder why Dad would go to prison to protect Mom - then marry Sharon. Wow - Vikki's stunned to hear he went through with it. Nick reminds of other times Dad's crossed the line - like when marrying her BFF Sabrina (and this is quite an encore for Sharon - after marrying Adam). Both kids are horrified. Does Mom know? Yes - she walked in on the ceremony.

Outside the interrogation room, Mike scolds Walsh for berating Nikki (who's in shock). Yeah, well - the Newman's may get preferential treatment in Baldwin's world - but not the DA's. Ronan approaches - Nikki's kids are here. Mike points out that seeing her kids might relax Nikki (and jog her memory). A short visit, Walsh snorts. And as Mike goes to get them, Ronan won't say I told you so - but wants back on the case.

Vikki and Nick hug their Mom (who's relieved to finally know the truth). Walsh thinks this is all a hoax - to free Victor. Both know Nikki HAD to kill Diane (who kept coming at her). Don't be angry with Victor - Nikki knows he married Sharon for her too.

Back at G-worm, Jack pitches the merger of Jabot and BofN. Theoretically, Lauren loves the idea - but her allegiance is to NE (and she's voting to protect the company against Adam). For once Jack thinks JR's got it right. But Lauren sees it as his first step in dismantling the company.

Tucker assumes the board will insist on sealed bids (which shouldn't be an obstacle for Adam). Bingo - Adam does indeed plan to peek inside the envelopes - to ensure Tucker submits the highest bid. They'll both get what they want; Tucker BofN - and Adam gets a job at McCall (a place to land when Victor kicks him out). So - do we have a deal or not? They do.

On the patio, Genevieve and Ashley joke about Jack's obsession with business - his need to make John proud. Jack feels he let his father down. He'll try to make up to it for the rest of his life. Getting Jabot back isn't enough - taking BofN from Victor will make his life perfect. Wanting what's best for Jack, Genevieve will try to make him back off BofN. Can't hurt to try, Ashley agrees.

Inside CL's, Tucker can't talk NE business with Jack (who warns that any board member who votes to sell a company - then buys it - could be in violation of the SEC). This deal must be on the up and up. Let me worry about that, Tucker exits.

Ronan isn't buying Victor's confession - he's covering for someone. But who does he love enough to spend his life in jail for? Walsh thinks Victor and Nikki planned this whole thing - both walk. Ronan wants a shot at getting the truth out of Nikki. One shot - if Ronan gets results, Walsh will think about rehiring him.

Nikki explains that Victor married Sharon to push her away - so she'd stop trying to prove his innocence. What no one knew (except Deacon) is that it was self defense. Even Vikki's impressed with Victor's sacrifice. Mike returns with Ronan (who asks the kids to leave so he can question Nikki). He promises they'll figure it out (as the Newman trio share a group hug)

Victor understands how Nikki's intrusion might make Sharon uncomfortable. Yeah - nothing like the groom's ex making a surprise appearance at the wedding - Nikki's quite a presence in his life. Sharon's sure she'll adjust. Victor promises she'll be happy - and enjoy being Mrs Victor Newman. And she doesn't have to visit every day - be with Faith. There IS something Sharon can do for her husband - go to the board meeting - use his proxy to vote against Adam selling BofN.

Mike sits in - as Ronan conducts the softest interrogation ever. The DA's interested in closing the case - he's interested in the truth. Well, that's illusive - due to an untold number of vodka tonics. Ronan reassures - the smallest detail could help resolve this. Close your eyes - breath deep - let your body go limp - relax. Ronan takes Nikki back to the park - what does she see? It was dark - Nikki heard voices - that took her to the bridge. She saw Victor and Diane - arguing .... struggling. Victor picked up a rock. And then? Victor left. Diane made a phone call. What did she say that made Nikki confront her?

Joining Genevieve and Ashley, Jack reports that Tucker had to take off. Ashley doesn't approve of Jack asking Tucker where he stood on BofN (as she's not behind it). We'll talk later - at the office, Jack shuts her down. Noticing the ladies exchanging a look, Jack wonders if they're ganging up on him. Just a friendly little intervention, Genevieve assures.

Victor chose Sharon as his wife and partner - because he trusts her to keep him apprised of Adam's moves. He needs her to do this. Not wanting to jeopardize her relationship with Faith, a reluctant Sharon thinks it best to stay away from Adam.

As the board members take their seats, Adam announces that BofN is on the agenda. They've had plenty of time to review his business plan (to sell BofN and use the money to acquire up and coming businesses). Bullying it through, Adam puts the motion on the table (to sell BofN). Lauren has something to say - before he shoves this down their throats.

As owner and CEO of Fenmore's, Lauren knows more about BofN than anyone else there - she understands the value of the brand - not just in cash terms. Why sell a successful cosmetics division? There's enough going on. Adam questions her objectivity (being married to Victor's attorney) - but she's swayed one board member. Lauren believes Adam's rushing it through for one reason - Victor's not there to stop it.

Victor assures that Adam can't hurt Sharon (now that she's his wife). She doesn't understand what it means to be Mrs Victor Newman. Sharon's now powerful - set boundaries for Adam - today - at the board meeting.

In a hypnotic trance, Nikki's lead to remember that Diane was anxious - about Victor - they were going to have Diane drug Victor - and .... have Diane's blood be found on him - so he'd think he killed her. Yes - they were setting him up. That sparked the confrontation - Diane thought Nikki was going to tell - that they were framing Victor for murder. I remember, Nikki opens her eyes.

Now you've got your answer (why Diane attacked Nikki). True or not, Walsh still needs to follow protocol; interview Deacon - check the autopsy report). Nikki's free to go (but don't leave town). And Victor? Mike will take care of that - Nick and Vikki are waiting for you. Joining her kids, Nikki declines food and rest - she must go see Victor. No - Nick will go update Dad.

Back on the patio, Ashley scolds Jack for already trying to expand the kingdom. They don't have the capitol. Jack will use his own money - think of the reward. Think of the downside, Ashley counters - Victor will retaliate. Jack will worry about Victor. Genevieve sides with Ashley - the competition will be fierce - she'd hate to see him disappointed (if someone else get BofN).

When Adam pushes for a vote, Tucker's 'yay' makes it a tie - Adam breaks it - and the sale's a go .... until Sharon walks in.

Ashley and Jack argue. You're gambling OUR future, Ash complains. Jack will bet his job that it works out. Nothing will stop him from owning BofN.

Sharon's there as Victor's proxy - and much to Lauren's delight, she's against selling BofN. Again the votes tied, the sale cannot be approved.

In Ronan's office, Mike's pissed - why is Victor still behind bars? Nikki did it. And when Walsh refuses to release the one man who's confessed, Mike stomps out - to file motions. That leaves Ronan to ask if he's back on the force. Grab your badge - let's get this case wrapped up.

At G-worm, Nikki declines Vikki's insistence that she needs some food. She's free - but the selfless Victor is still behind bars.

Victor gets a visit from Nick - who updates that Mom's been released. Victor's relieved - thank God. Nick then updates - Mom killed Diane for you. It was self defense - don't forget that, Victor corrects.

Next: Eden sneers at Chloe - It's awesome how you got over Kevin. What!? So weird - from Kevin to his best friend (Daniel looks equally stunned) ... Kevin frowns at his phone. What the hell!? What's wrong? Angie wonders - and leans in to look at the picture of Daniel kissing Chloe ... He's using you to get at me - and apparently you're OK with that, Adam confronts Sharon.

My Thoughts: Why was Nikki arguing with Diane Jenkins? Duh Walsh - could it be the lawsuit (for alienation of affection) - or the tabloid article Diane orchestrated - both of which she JUST mentioned? Or maybe it's just that the women have hated one another for decades ... Yeah - I'm sure Ronan DOES have some good memories of all nighters that sofa (and they include Nick's ex wife) ... Genevieve really needs to ask Ashley for advice on 'taking care' of her brother? How to keep him happy? Like she lost the 'how to operate' manual? .... Victor keeps going on and on about the benefits of being Mrs Victor Newman - but shouldn't Sharon already know? She HAS been Mrs Victor JR Newman (and Mrs Nick Newman) ... Hard to believe the ranch staff are used to anyone being the 'lady of the manor' (Victor's changed them so frequently) ... Is it too late to vote? Sharon arrives to ask. If only it had been ... If the marriage is just a sham, is there any reason for Victor to tell Sharon she's beautiful?... The staff were 'hovering'? Sharon could easily have had some privacy - she and Faith were retiring to her new bedroom anyway ... Who knew Ronan was a hypnotist? ... Nikki started drinking then somehow ended up at the park? I'm guessing she drove (drunk) ..... Whatever happened to Tucker not wanting to do anything illegal - to avoid the SEC? He's just offered to hire a man who's confiding his plans to sneak peeks at SEALED bids (which should be a tip off that he did it before - in Tucker's office) What's the point of sealed bids anyway? (if they never stay sealed)? ... Adam's given the board members plenty of time to go over his business plan? Huh? He only called the meeting last night ... No wonder Nikki has no appetite. Did Vikki really have to take her to a restaurant with such a vast array of bottles on display - and where her sleazeball husband tends bar? ... Nice that Jack's so confident he's gonna bet his job - but couldn't Ashley be CEO if she wanted to anyway? ... What an encore, Nick scoffs at Sharon marrying Victor - after Adam (clearly forgetting he's made a few mistakes of his own *chough* Diane ... If Ronan was fired from the force, why is he still allowed access to his old office? No one wanted it? ... Nikki's recollection frequently included 'they' - and 'them' - so it's VERY odd that Ronan didn't ask who Diane was collaborating with.